Hydration delivery tube with check valve

ABSTRACT

A hydration system includes a liquid reservoir, a reservoir coupler, a tube, a hydration valve (e.g., bite valve), a tube coupler (e.g., quick connect), and a flow-restricting device (e.g., check valve). The tube comprises a first end having the hydration valve, a second end for coupling to the liquid reservoir, and the flow-restricting device interposed between the first and second ends.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/887,883, filed on Aug. 16, 2019, which is incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a hydration device. More particularly,the present disclosure relates to a hydration tube with an integratedpressure check-valve, the hydration tube can be coupled to a standarddisposable water bottle or any water hydration bladder.

BACKGROUND

Water hydration systems have evolved over many years. For example, therehave been many devices to obtain, carry, and consume water, such asladles to scoop water, canteens, and now tube style hydration systemswith a connected bladder. Bladder hydration systems changed the way thatbackpackers, mountain bikers, campers, and many other people, carrywater on their journeys. Carrying water with a bladder hydration systemis easy. Being able to place the hydration bladder within a backpackhelps the user more easily pack heavy loads of water for whatever theyare doing. In addition, water is more accessible when using a bladderhydration system. With water being more accessible, the likelihood thata user remains hydrated is higher, which is quite different from theuser that has to take off a backpack and dig through it for a waterbottle.

As incredible as the bladder hydration system has been, there are stillsome glaring issues. For example, the bladder is susceptible tounsanitary conditions if not constantly and properly maintained. Thebladder creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, which can makecleaning the hydration bladder extremely difficult. If it is not cleanedafter a use, then the next time it is used there may be a fowl taste, orit could potentially cause sickness. Further, mold can accumulate in thehydration bladder due to the fact that the warm, moist environmentcreates the perfect growing medium. Bacteria found in the hydrationbladder often comes from the backflow (saliva) of the user because thereis nothing to prevent backflow. With the backflow flowing from themouthpiece through the tube and back into the bladder, it is inevitablethat bacteria from the mouth will enter the hydration bladder. Not onlydoes saliva enter the hydration bladder, but dirt and other outsidecontaminants may also enter. Keeping the hydration bladder clean can befrustrating, especially when numerous chemicals and brushes have to beemployed in the cleaning process.

Further, once the hydration bladder is empty, it is not convenient torefill without a faucet. Accordingly, once emptied, a user may oftenstill rely on water bottles to hydrate until they are able toconveniently and easily refill the bladder.

The above problems assume that each user has a hydration bladder.However, many users do not have a hydration bladder, and buying such asystem may be cost prohibitive in addition to the faults outlined above.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hydration system that is lowmaintenance, stays clean, does not require the use of a hydrationbladder, and prevents backflow. The present disclosure seeks to solvethese and other problems.

SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, a hydration system comprises a liquid reservoir, areservoir coupler, a tube, a hydration valve (e.g., bite valve), a tubecoupler, and a flow-restricting device within the tube (e.g., checkvalve). The tube comprises a first end having the hydration valve, asecond end for coupling to the liquid reservoir, and theflow-restricting device interposed between the first and second ends. Inone embodiment, the flow-restricting device may be located in the liquidreservoir, in the reservoir coupler, or anywhere in the tube.

In one embodiment, a hydration system further comprises a water filter.The water filter can be coupled anywhere in, or along, the tube.

In one embodiment, a hydration delivery system comprises a first endhaving a hydration valve, a second end for coupling to a liquidreservoir, and a check valve within the tube interposed between thefirst and second ends.

In one embodiment, a hydration system comprises a tube having aT-coupler. The T-coupler has three coupling sites: a first, a second,and a third, where three separate tubes may connect. The first couplingsite couples to a primary tube, while the second coupling site couplesto a secondary tube, and the third coupling site couples to a tertiarytube.

In one embodiment, a hydration system comprises a liquid reservoir, areservoir coupler, a tube, and a flow-restricting device. The tube iscontinuous, without any breaks therein, such as a quick connect coupler.Additionally, a user retrieves liquid from the liquid reservoir byapplying suction on the tube, without the aid of any type of a bitevalve.

In one embodiment, a hydration system comprises T-couplers, liquidreservoirs, a plurality of tubes, and tube couplers (e.g., quickconnects). With numerous T-couplers, a user may retrieve water from morethan a single tube. It will be appreciated that multiple users may drinkfrom the same liquid reservoirs without contaminating them. The tubecouplers may allow water filters, liquid reservoirs, or any tube to beconnected thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration delivery tube;

FIG. 3 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration delivery tube;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear perspective view of a hydration system coupledto a backpack;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective, detailed view of a flow-restrictingdevice in an open position of a hydration system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective, detailed view of a flow-restrictingdevice in a closed position of a hydration system;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side perspective, detailed view of aflow-restricting device, in a closed position, and a liquid reservoir ofa hydration system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration system withvacuum pressure generated by a user on the liquid reservoir (i.e.,plastic bottle);

FIG. 9 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration system withvacuum pressure generated by a user on the liquid reservoir (i.e.,plastic bottle);

FIG. 10 illustrates a side perspective view of a hydration system withvacuum pressure generated by a user on the liquid reservoir (i.e.,plastic bottle);

FIG. 11 illustrates a side perspective view of a water filter coupled toa hydration system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a side perspective view of T-coupler of a hydrationsystem;

FIG. 13 illustrates a side perspective view of T-coupler and a first andsecond liquid reservoir of a hydration system; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a side perspective view of T-coupler, a hydrationvalve, and a first and second liquid reservoir of a hydration system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a detailed, side perspective view of T-coupler, atube coupler, and a flow-restricting device of a hydration system;

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear, side perspective view of a hydration systemcoupled to a backpack;

FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed, perspective view of a tube of ahydration system coupled to a backpack;

FIG. 18 illustrates a top perspective view of a hydration system with aplurality of tubes coupled to a backpack;

FIG. 19 illustrates a rear perspective view of a hydration system with aplurality of tubes coupled to a backpack;

FIG. 20 illustrates a rear perspective view of a hydration system with aplurality of tubes and water filter coupled to a backpack; and

FIG. 21. illustrates a rear perspective view of a hydration system witha plurality of tubes coupled to a backpack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are notto be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “theinvention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exactfeatures or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodimentsdisclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate thatthe embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarilyincludes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further,repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,”do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.

Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure usingvarious numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafteronly and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not beconsidered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of thatparticular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment tothe other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts,although it may.

Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to beillustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention,which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any andall equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, suchterms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customarymeaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industryand without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafterdescribed. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one ormore items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or”denotes at least one of the items but does not exclude a plurality ofitems of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequenceand/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and notrestrictive.

It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methodsare not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence,arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, thesteps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried outin various sequences and arrangements while still falling within thescope of the present invention.

The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in directphysical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or moreelements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet stillcooperate or interact with each other.

The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as usedwith respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intendedas “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as“including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpretedas “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as“includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

As previously discussed, there is a need for a hydration system that islow maintenance, stays clean, does not require the use of a hydrationbladder, and prevents backflow. The present disclosure seeks to solvethese and other problems.

The hydration system described herein generally comprises a liquidreservoir, a tube, and a tube coupler. The hydration system may berearranged into many, different configurations. In other words, thehydration system may utilize a check valve, a water filter, and becoupleable to multiple bottles at the same time. The ability to quicklyconnect and disconnect tubes, bottles, and filters via the tube couplersallows a user many options, depending on their needs. It will beappreciated that the hydration system is easy to use and a customizablesystem for any endeavor. Further, the hydration system is simple toclean or simply discard due to the liquid reservoir used (e.g., adisposable bottle). Once the water has been removed from the liquidreservoir, a clean reservoir then may be quickly coupled, preventing thehassle of cleaning and refilling a hydration bladder.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, a hydration system 100comprises a liquid reservoir 102, a reservoir coupler 104, a tube 106, ahydration valve 108 (e.g., bite valve), a tube coupler 110 (e.g., quickconnect coupler), and a flow-restricting device 112 (e.g., check valve).The reservoir coupler 104 couples the tube 106 to the liquid reservoir102. While a disposable bottle 114 is shown, any liquid reservoir may beused, such as a metal bottle, rubber reservoir, etc. The reservoircoupler 104 may be numerous sizes and comprise various couplingmechanisms to accommodate a variety of liquid reservoirs 102. Forexample, the reservoir coupler 104 can accommodate wide-mouth,narrow-mouth, or any other size of bottle aperture. The couplingmechanism of the reservoir coupler 104 may be threads, slide-on, twistlock, or any mechanism that can be removably attachable and create aseal to prevent liquid from exiting the liquid reservoir 102. Inaddition, the reservoir coupler 104 can be made from numerous materials,including rubber, plastic, metal, etc. In one example, the reservoircoupler 104 may be compatible with standard disposable water bottles.

Furthermore, the tube 106 is coupled to the hydration valve 108 and thereservoir coupler 104 by a first coupling 116 and a second coupling 118,respectively, which can be a male and female connection. The tube 106may be a thin, pliable material, such as silicone, that can be easilyfolded and placed in a compact space. Alternatively, the tube may bemade of a thick, insulated material so as to keep liquid from beingheated while in the tube 106. In one embodiment, the tube 106 comprisesa neoprene covering to add insulation. The tube 106 may be a sufficientlength so as to reach a user's mouth and to extend to the liquidreservoir 102. However, varying lengths could be used depending on theapplication, such as attaching to a backpack 130 (FIG. 4), bike, orstroller. For example, in one embodiment, the hydration system can becoupled to the backpack 130, satchel, or purse. As liquid flows throughthe tube 106, it travels from the liquid reservoir 102 to the user'smouth via, for example, the hydration valve 108.

The hydration valve 108 allows a user to access the liquid in the liquidreservoir 102 through suction or a vacuum effect. The hydration valve108 can be, but is not limited to, a bite valve, a slidable valve, astraw-like valve with a cap, or any other valve, made from a pliable ornon-pliable material, to provide access to the liquid in the liquidreservoir 102. For example, a user would bite down on the bite valve andapply vacuum pressure (i.e., suction). The vacuum pressure opens thecheck valve 112, allowing water to by through it and then through thebite valve 108. Once a user releases the bite valve 108, it is notuncommon for backflow to enter the tube 106. However, due to the checkvalve 112, backflow is prohibited from entering the reservoir 102.Usually, a hydration valve 108 is removably attachable to the tube 106to allow easy cleaning and replacement if necessary. However, there maybe circumstances where the hydration valve 108 is permanently coupled tothe tube 106 so that removal is not possible. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the hydration system may not require a hydration valve 108.For example, the user may draw liquid directly from the tube 106,relying solely on the check valve 112 to control flow out of, and into,the reservoir 102.

Although not required, the tube coupler 110 (e.g., a quick connectcoupler of the art), best seen in FIG. 2, is interposed between a firstend 120 having the hydration valve 108 and a second end 122 having thereservoir coupler 104, which allows the tube 106 to be easily decoupledand coupled to various reservoir couplers 104. For example, a user canuse the tube coupler 110 to quickly switch between a narrow waterbottle, wide-mouth water bottle, or even a hydration bladder. Forexample, the tube coupler 110 can be directly coupled to a waterbladder, such as a CamelBak® hydration bladder, allowing a user toutilize the hydration valve 108 and check valve 112 combinationtherewith. The tube coupler 110 can be any coupling mechanism, such as aquick connect system, threaded coupler, latch, etc. Further, the coupler110 allows additional accessories to be easily utilized, such as a waterfilter. The tube coupler 110 can be located anywhere along the tube 106,such as near the hydration valve 108 or near the reservoir coupler 104.

Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the flow-restricting device 112 (e.g., checkvalve) may comprise a flow through material 124 (e.g., mesh or a metalcoil), a sphere 125, and a cylindrical component 126 that has twoapertures for allowing liquid to pass therethrough. The sphere 125 ispositioned in between the flow through material 124, which is in closerproximity to the hydration valve 108, and cylindrical component 126,which is in closer proximity to the liquid reservoir 102, all of whichare found within the tube 106 so as to prevent backflow. For example, asbest shown in FIG. 4, when the user applies suction on the hydrationvalve 108 and tube 106, the sphere 125 will move from a resting, closedposition (backflow blocked) on an aperture of the cylindrical component126 to the flow through material 124. This allows the liquid to flowfreely through the cylindrical component 126, pass around the sphere 125(which is narrower in diameter than the internal diameter of the tube106, thereby allowing flow), and through the flow through material 124to the user via the hydration valve 108. When a user stops suction, thepressure within the bottle pulls the sphere 125 back to seat in theopening of the cylinder 126, as shown in FIGS. 6 & 7, thereby preventingbackflow to the reservoir 102. In one embodiment, the check valve 112may comprise other components known in the art, such as a housing,spring, and ball assembly. Other types of flow-restricting devices thatmay be used include, but are not limited to, top-hinged, tilting disc,or butterfly check valves. It will be understood that any one-way valveconfiguration may be used without departing herefrom. It will also beappreciated that the check valve 112 may be located near the reservoir102, near the bite valve 108, or at any position along the tube 106. Inone embodiment, it may be ideal for the check valve 112 to be proximalto the bite valve 108 so as to prohibit backflow from entering the tube106.

As shown in FIGS. 8-10, when the liquid passes to the user, the liquidreservoir 102 (e.g., disposable water bottle 114) compresses due to thevacuum pressure that the user creates during the suction process. Vacuumpressure is illustrated as progressing from FIG. 8 through 10, where thewater bottle 114 is shown collapsed. It will be appreciated that theliquid reservoir 102, in a crushed or compressed form, helps conservespace in a backpack while hiking or when it is being discarded in thetrash or recycle bin. Once suction has ceased, as best shown in FIG. 5,vacuum pressure pulls the sphere 125 back to rest on the aperture of thecylindrical component 126 preventing any liquid from flowing back to theliquid reservoir 102 (i.e., the sphere 125 completely blocks theaperture in the cylindrical component 126). Utilizing a flow-restrictingdevice 112 allows the liquid reservoir 102 to maintain a cleanenvironment, avoiding backflow or other substances from entering throughthe tube 106 into the reservoir 102. The flow-restricting device 112 canbe located anywhere in the hydration apparatus, including, but notlimited to, being interposed between the first end 120 and second end122, in or around the hydration valve 108, in or around the reservoircoupler 104, or within a liquid reservoir 102 (for example, within theentry to a bladder system).

In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, a hydration apparatus 100 furthercomprises a water filter 128. The water filter 128 can be coupledanywhere, interposed between a tube coupler 110, in, or along, a tube106. The water filter 128 can prevent any debris or bacteria fromreaching the user's mouth.

In one embodiment, a hydration delivery tube 106 comprises a first end120 having a hydration valve 108, a second end 122 for coupling to aliquid reservoir 102, and a flow-restricting device 112 (e.g., checkvalve) within the tube 106 interposed between the first 120 and secondends 122.

Referring to FIGS. 12-15, in one embodiment, a hydration system 200comprises a T-coupler 202 that can be coupled along a primary tube 204.The T-coupler 202 has three coupling sites: a first 206, a second 208,and a third 210 where three separate tubes may connect. The firstcoupling site 206 couples to the primary tube 204, while the secondcoupling site 208 couples to a secondary tube 212, and the thirdcoupling site 210 couples to a tertiary tube 214. In some embodiments,shown in FIG. 15, the T-coupler may comprise a tube coupler (e.g., quickconnect) 215 so as to connect one or more liquid reservoirs. Aflow-restricting device 216 (e.g., check valve) may be found anywherealong the primary tube 204; however, the flow-restricting device 216 isnot limited to the primary tube 204. For example, the flow-restrictingdevice 216, as described in detail above, may be found in both theprimary, secondary, and/or tertiary tubes, 204, 212, 214, or anywhere inthe hydration system 200. Referring to FIG. 13, a tube coupler 220A,220B may be positioned on any of the tubes, 204, 212, 214, so that thehydration system 200 may be quickly assembled or disassembled. Ahydration valve 221 (FIG. 14) allows a user to obtain liquid from afirst liquid reservoir 222 and a second liquid reservoir 224simultaneously, while preventing backflow to each.

While a user may obtain liquid from the first and second liquidreservoirs 222, 224, simultaneously, an alternate embodiment comprises astop switch in each of the secondary and tertiary tubes, 212, 214, thatallows a user to obtain water from one liquid reservoir or both. Forexample, a user may have the first liquid reservoir 222 filled withwater and the second liquid reservoir 224 filled with a sports drink.The user may drink the water while participating in an activity, butwhen the user needs the added benefits of the sports drink, the user maystop the flow of the water by engaging the stop switch on the secondarytube 212 and allows the flow of the sports drink by disengaging the stopswitch on the tertiary tube 214. In addition, the hydration system 200couples to the first and second liquid reservoirs 222, 224 by reservoircouplers 226. Due to the check-valve 216, the contents of the reservoirs222, 224 are not mixed. In other words, the sports drink (e.g.,Gatorade®) does not flow into the water when a user switches betweenreservoirs.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 16-17, a hydration system 300comprises a liquid reservoir 302, a reservoir coupler 304, a tube 306,and a flow-restricting device 308 (e.g., check valve). The tube 306 maybe continuous, without any quick couplers or breaks therein.Additionally, a user retrieves liquid from the liquid reservoir 302 byapplying suction on the tube 306, without the aid of any type of a bitevalve. The flow-restricting device 308 is positioned within the tube 306at the angled portion 310 so that when the user draws liquid from theliquid reservoir 302 water is allowed to flow to the user. When suctionhas ceased, water is prevented from returning to the reservoir 302 viathe check valve 308 and is prevented from exiting the tube 306 becauseof the vacuum pressure on the check valve 308.

Referring to FIGS. 18-21, in one embodiment, a hydration system 400comprises T-couplers 402A, 402B, liquid reservoirs 404A, 404B, aplurality of tubes 406, and tube couplers (e.g., quick connects) 408A,408B. With numerous T-couplers 402A, 402B, a user may retrievewater/liquid from more than a single tube. This is beneficial forseveral reasons; for example, it allows a user to distribute weight ofthe water/liquid on the pack. Further, it will be appreciated thatmultiple users may drink from the same liquid reservoirs withoutcontaminating them. For example, a user may couple their own tube, witha tube coupler, to a hydration system 400 to retrieve liquid. When theuser is finished, they may quickly detach their tube. It will further beappreciated that the tube couplers 408A, 408B allow water filters 410,liquid reservoirs 404A, 404B, or any tube to be connected thereto. Whiletwo T-couplers 408A, 408B are shown, in some embodiments, there may be atwo or more of T-couplers 408A, 408B so as to accommodate numeroususers. For example, the liquid reservoir may be a large drum (e.g.,Igloo® water jug), with numerous tube couplers to accommodate, forexample, a sports team or scouts with each having their own quickconnect tube. This eliminates the need for cups and allows users to usetheir own tube 106, 206, 306, 406 with a check valve, keeping thereservoir sanitary while also reducing waste, both of which areimprovements over the prior art. Indeed, any of the embodimentsdiscussed herein allow a user to connect their tube 106, 206, 306, 406,to any number of reservoirs, including those of others, without fear ofcontamination. This allows users to share drinks in any scenario,whether hiking, playing sports, during an emergency, or other scenario,without cross-contaminating the source (e.g., water). This is asignificant improvement over the current art, which does not preventbackflow. Additionally, users may opt to use disposable water bottles soas to avoid carrying empty, reusable bladders for significant distances.

It will be appreciated that a user does not have to use a hydrationbladder to stay hydrated. Any liquid reservoir, such as a disposablewater bottle 114 or a washable bottle, can be used. The hydrationbladder in the art can be frustrating due to the difficulty ofmaintaining and cleaning the hydration bladder. The hydration apparatus100, 200, 300, 400 allows a user to have a clean liquid reservoir everytime, which can prevent bacteria growth. Bacteria also cannot enter theliquid reservoir from a user's mouth due to the fact that theflow-restricting device (e.g., check valve) prevents liquid fromreentering the liquid reservoir. Further, when using the hydrationapparatus 100, 200, 300, 400, it provides an easy system to carry liquidon an adventure.

Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, orinstruction used in this description should be construed as important,necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such.Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described indetail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatmany modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein.Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included withinthe scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydration system comprising: a tube; areservoir coupler at a first end of the tube; a flow-restricting devicepositioned within the tube to prevent backflow; wherein when suction isapplied to the tube, the flow-restricting device allows liquid to passto a user; and wherein when suction is stopped, the flow-restrictingdevice prevents water from passing from the tube into a liquidreservoir.
 2. The hydration system of claim 1, further comprising ahydration valve.
 3. The hydration system of claim 2, wherein thehydration valve is a bite valve.
 4. The hydration system of claim 1,wherein the flow-restricting device is a check valve.
 5. The hydrationsystem of claim 1, wherein the flow-restricting device comprises a flowthrough material, a cylindrical component, and a sphere positionedbetween the flow through material and the cylindrical component.
 6. Thehydration system of claim 5, wherein the flow through material comprisesa mesh material.
 7. The hydration system of claim 5, wherein the flowthrough material comprises a metal coil.
 8. The hydration system ofclaim 1, wherein the liquid reservoir is a disposable bottle.
 9. Thehydration system of claim 1, wherein the tube comprises a pliablematerial.
 10. The hydration system of claim 1, wherein the tubecomprises an insulated material.
 11. The hydration system of claim 1,further comprising a tube coupler.
 12. The hydration system of claim 11,wherein the tube coupler comprises a quick connect to connect anddisconnect the tube.
 13. The hydration system of claim 1, furthercomprising a water filter.
 14. A hydration system comprising: a liquidreservoir; a tube comprising a first end and a second end, the first endcomprising a hydration valve and the second end comprising a reservoircoupler; a flow-restricting device interposed between the hydrationvalve and the reservoir coupler to prevent backflow into the liquidreservoir, the flow-restricting device comprising: a flow throughmaterial to allow a liquid to pass therethrough, a cylindricalcomponent, and a sphere interposed between the flow through material andthe cylindrical component; wherein when suction is applied to the tube,the sphere moves towards the flow through material, allowing liquid topass from the liquid reservoir to a user; and wherein when suction isstopped, the sphere moves towards and seats in the cylindricalcomponent, preventing water from passing back through the tube into theliquid reservoir.
 15. The hydration system of claim 14, wherein thehydration valve comprises a bite valve.
 16. The hydration system ofclaim 14, wherein the tube comprises a pliable material.
 17. Thehydration system of claim 14, wherein the tube comprises an insulatedmaterial.
 18. The hydration system of claim 14, further comprising awater filter.
 19. The hydration system of claim 14, further comprising aquick coupler.
 20. A method of using a hydration system to preventbackflow, the method comprising: a first user coupling a first tube to aliquid reservoir, the first tube comprising a bite valve and a checkvalve, the bite valve and check valve preventing backflow from the firstuser to the liquid reservoir; the first user de-coupling the first tubefrom the liquid reservoir; a second user coupling a second tube to theliquid reservoir, the second tube comprising a bite valve and a checkvalve, the bite valve and check valve preventing backflow from thesecond user to the liquid reservoir.